The open house at the Van Allen House, preserved by the Oakland Historical Society, attracted guests who jumped over the melting snow and mud to climb up the front steps and back in time.

Irene Maletsky made these Washington dolls to benefit the historical society at the Van Allen House in Oakland. Gen. Washington stayed at the house during the Revolution.(Photo: Sandy Stucki/Special to NorthJersey.com)

Linda Arns, a member of the society, wore a white mop cap, knitted shawl and long skirt in the style of women of Colonial times. Klaus Angermueller tended the fire, melting wax for candle dipping.

Alicia Masercola, 13, and Christy Zola, 14 — Girl Scouts from Oakland's Troop 4143 — showed guests how to roll beeswax candles and spin whirligigs. The two dipped lengths of wick in and out of a pail of molten wax to make candles.

Colonial-era sweets such as Martha Washington might have made for her husband's birthday were set out on the table by the hearth.

The Girl Scouts had researched the recipes and made gingerbread cake, candy and tea muffins. They noted that cooks of that era "didn't use as much sugar" as modern chefs do, so the treats were not as sweet as might be expected.

NEWSLETTERS

Get the Breaking News newsletter delivered to your inbox

We're sorry, but something went wrong

Get breaking news from all around North Jersey delivered to your inbox as soon as it happens.

The girls' work on behalf of the historical celebration was intended to earn each a "silver" award.

Karen Masercola, who has lived in Oakland for 19 years, was delighted to see the inside of the house, and admired the quilts and handmade crafts. "I've never been here before," said the 19-year Oakland resident. "I think I could live here."